Stone Curlew

[Flywaver]

There are at least 6 Stone Curlews at Cavenham Heath. The area is better for viewing i think than Weeting Heath. Purely as there is less heat haze and they are closer to the track. Any other good areas in Breckland for them?

[RoyW]

Hi Flywaver,

Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope that you don't get replies to this question!

Unfortunately, scarce breeding birds like Stone Curlews still suffer from disturbance from egg collectors (and occasionally over enthusiastic birdwatchers). There are a few well known sites where this species can be seen, eg. Weeting and Cavenham heath, and it is best to keep it that way.

If anyone does know of sites for this, and other rare breeding species, they should think very carefully before passing on the details (other than to the organisations and recording groups that might be in a position to protect and monitor them). In particular it is unwise to post details openly on any internet site, simply because you do not know how many people will then see the details or what sort of disturbance they may cause.

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by RoyW

In particular it is unwise to post details openly on any internet site, simply because you do not know how many people will then see the details or what sort of disturbance they may cause.

Yes, I was thinking the same on reading Flywavers post.

But in his/her defence, I guess it's so easy to get carried away with the excitement of seeing rare species. The eagerness to share the experience, and to want to know where else they might be, seems to override how important it is that their whereabouts are kept secret (wherever possible).

I'm sure it was an honest mistake.

Tracey

[RoyW]

I don't think that there is any problem with the details given in the OP (both Weeting and Cavenham are already well known sites for Stone Curlew), it's presence at other sites that is perhaps best kept quiet.

The problem with putting information on the internet is that you can't then control who sees it, and too many visitors to a sensitive site, or a few irresponsible visitors, could mean that breeding fails at some sites, potentially resulting in the site being abandoned by the 'target' species and/or other scarce bird species (not to mention potential damage to the habitat and other rare wildlife that may be present).

It's natural to want to find out where to see species well, but if you already have that sort of information it is wise to think carefully about how (and if) you pass the details on to others.

[Flywaver]

Apologies... I wasnt sure how rare they are. Im looking at NBN Gateway far too much...

[Jonners]

Saw a couple today - amazing birds and always lovely to see them back round here . I can remember the first time I ever saw any (one evening at Cavenham) and the excitement they brought me, and I still love seeing them.

[Lemars]

Weeting Heath is named on the RSPB site as one of the places to see them.
C

[Hobjob]

Let us rejoice that Stone Curlews are back from the brink, though still need lots and lots of help.

And well done to all who have worked so hard to achieve this.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Taking off big time in the Wessex area.

Cheers,

Adam